Become a studio engineer in 24 weeks!

The best school I could have gone to for what I want to do. Amazing teachers who have real world experience and know exactly how to teach it to students. Would recommend to any aspiring audio engineers of any kind.

Best schooling experience I’ve ever had, period. You learn all the ‘book knowledge’ required …but you will also learn about studio recording culture while forming relationships with industry pros in an ACTUAL professional recording studio.

Industry professionals are constantly popping in-and-out … the Academy also provides tremendous support for their soon-to-be graduates and helps them land internship/work opportunities all over the globe!

The best audio school in the world. The top lecturers, studios, gear, experiences and opportunities – all in Nashville, Tennessee!

I was able to immediately translate what I learned into the work I do with artists every day …surpassed 1 billion streams to my credits, with multiple Billboard #1’s, and Platinum and Gold records.

BA helped me understand session and studio etiquette which is so important …and also establish crucial connections with people in the industry that proved very helpful when I was out on my own.

Some of the most successful industry professionals as guest speakers … I made connections that led me to work at CMA Fest, create new co-writing relationships, and begin training with a vocal coach, just to name a few.

This is HANDS DOWN, the best audio school in the world!!! If you are looking for a career in the music industry, The Blackbird Academy is a must.

I was hired by Clair Global after I finished the Live Sound Program, which led me to becoming the front of house engineer for Carly Pearce, who is on tour with Luke Bryan.

The Blackbird Academy really helped prepare me for my job because they really instill that attitude is 99% of the gig. You can always learn technical knowledge later, but you can’t teach attitude and effort and passion. The Blackbird Academy exposed me to the whole industry and showed me that there truly are jobs in this industry, not just in the studio, but in live and in business.

The Blackbird Academy was a really special experience because I was surrounded by people who loved music as much as I did. Being at Blackbird gave me confidence to walk into professional sessions, and the relationships I built there have stayed with me.

The amount of information that we learned in those six months was really valuable, but also very fast. Everything that I learned every day was spent doing something that I hadn’t learned before and that I could improve on, and that I needed to know to be a good engineer. The six-month program at the Blackbird Academy was much more attractive to me than doing a four-year program at a college because we immediately got to get our hands dirty in the equipment.

The Blackbird Academy got me ready for my career in audio by giving me a really strong foundation in signal flow and an opportunity to really see what it takes to be a tracking engineer by working with real bands in the studio and getting to talk with real professionals. They really emphasized how much attitude is 99% of the gig.

The reason I chose the Blackbird Academy was because I had done college before, and I wanted to do something that I could come in and do exactly what I need to do and learn instead of all the excess that I did not need in my future. Where else can you learn on the actual gear that is in all the major studios?

The six-month program was a lot more attractive to me because I like to get out into the world and actually do the things. I got to work in all of the different rooms, and the biggest benefit of the Blackbird Academy education was learning how to be in the rooms with professionals and how to be a good hang.

After my time in the military, I wanted to go to the Blackbird Academy because I wanted to be a tracking engineer, and I knew it was the fastest and most realistic route to make that dream come true. The six-month program was more appealing to me than a four-year program because it started right off with hands-on. Going to the Blackbird Academy really taught me how to speak the language of music in audio.

I chose Blackbird because I did not want another empty training certificate when I could get hands-on experience under professional engineers in a world-class studio. I enjoyed the transition from being an instructor and advisor to being a learner again, and picking up the art and science of pro audio alongside a motivated team of students. The faculty expects hard work, but treat us with respect and values our life experience. My closest friends in my post-Army life have come directly from my experiences at Blackbird.

My time at BBA has been exceptional. The manner in which information is conveyed, along with the culture, has been well received. Although this has been a career pivot for me, I find myself moving at a reasonable pace and in an environment where I feel comfortable asking questions. I have a bachelor’s degree; however, coming from a military background, this has been a much more positive experience than what I’d consider “traditional” learning.

The six-month program at the Blackbird Academy was one of the best opportunities that had been put in front of me when I got to Nashville.

The best thing about the Blackbird Academy was getting to work hands-on in the studios doing real sessions.

Blackbird is the only place that could’ve jump-started my career like it did. If you want to learn what it takes to become an engineer in Nashville, from the best instructors you’ll find at any school, this is the place.

After graduating from the live sound course in June 2025, I was afforded an amazing opportunity to work at one of the largest live sound companies in the world, Clair Global. Without what I learned at Blackbird, I would not be where I am! There really is no better place to get the experience, knowledge, and connections that Blackbird can provide. Anyone who may be considering the jump, go for it!

Hands down, there’s no better school than The Blackbird Academy. I can confidently say that after graduating from another one of the so-called top music schools on the East Coast. Blackbird doesn’t waste time — they teach you exactly what you need to know to become a successful audio engineer, all while immersing you in the heart of Nashville.